Surgical Technologist Training Program
Program Overview
The Dartmouth Health Career Institute (DHCI) Surgical Technologist Program offers 11 months of classroom education, skills training, and hands-on experience and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to provide you with the knowledge to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
Over the 11-month program, all participants will complete more than 200 hours of practical lab skills training and spend more than 600 hours in a professional operating room setting, acquiring hands-on clinical skills through demonstration and application.
At completion of the 11-month program, graduates sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam. Sponsored trainees are promoted to full-time Surgical Technologist Apprentices and will work in the assigned operating room location to gain on-the-job experience while completing a required 2,000-hour Registered Apprenticeship with the US Department of Labor.
Program Tuition & Sponsorship Options
Sponsorship Tuition
The sponsorship tuition option provides a training wage throughout the 11-month program, covers the cost of any of the 6 required prerequisites college courses you may need, and pays for your in-program tuition and fees. Additionally, upon successful completion of the training program, you will work as an apprentice and then as a Surgical Technologist II in a Dartmouth Health operating room. With the sponsorship option, you are making a 2-year commitment in your role as a Surgical Technologist II to Perioperative Services for their investment in your training and education.
Sponsorship Requirements:
- Current Dartmouth Health employee in good standing, with at least 3 months of work experience
- Submit a “Request for Sponsorship” letter with your application: A formal letter to the Department of Perioperative Services that demonstrates how your contributions and performance as a Surgical Technologist will support the department and the Dartmouth Health community
Self-Pay Tuition
Individuals interested in earning their surgical technologist certification but not seeking job placement may select the Self-Pay tuition option. Tuition for the 11-month program is $8,000 and is billed in quarterly installments. Additional fees and expenses for required background checks, certification registrations, textbooks, and learning supplies, totaling approximately $2,000, are also the individual’s responsibility.
2027-2028 Program Applications
Apply Early, Get Started Early!
First, decide which tuition option works best for you (see the tuition section for details). Next, review the candidate pathways below so you understand the application steps:
Candidates without a College Degree Seeking Sponsorship
Apply Early to Get Started on Your Prerequisites!
- First, we will verify Dartmouth Health employment for a minimum of 3 months
- If you are not a current Dartmouth Health employee, submit your program application anyway
- We can provide assistance with pre-program job placement for qualifying candidates, and after 90-days of employment, we will reconnect for reconsideration
- Qualifying candidates will be invited to a video interview with a program representative as applications are received
- Select candidates will then interview with Perioperative team member(s)
- With support from the current supervisor, a conditional program acceptance will be extended to select candidates on a rolling basis
- Candidates will begin working on prerequisites as soon as offers are made, so they can complete all requirements before the program starts.
Candidates with an Associate’s Degree (or higher) & Self-Payers
Applications received by February 1, 2027:
- Select candidates will have a pre-screening interview with a program representative as applications are received; notice of consideration for the next phase will be shared within 48-hours of the interview
- Candidates will be notified on or around February 1 if they have been selected for an in-person interview with Perioperative Services and Surgical Tech Program Educators
- In-person interviews will take place in February
- Conditional program acceptances will be made within one week of interviews/by the end of Feb.
Finally, submit your Program Application today! Please be sure to include a current, updated resume, and also be prepared to submit these additional application requirements:
- Statement of interest (500-word min)
- 1 professional letter of recommendation
- Request for sponsorship letter, if applicable
- Official college transcripts, if applicable
- Select tuition type: Sponsorship or Self-Pay
Once your application is received, a program representative can assist you with submitting additional application requirements. Email questions to CST.Training@Hitchcock.org.
The Role of a Certified Surgical Technologist
CSTs are highly skilled individuals who collaborate with surgeons, registered nurses, and other health care professionals to deliver high-quality care in an operating room environment and are responsible for adhering to principles of sterility. A surgical technologist assists in every aspect of the surgical setting, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures.
The CST role is physically demanding, mentally stimulating, and rewarding. It requires the ability to focus, problem-solve, pay attention to detail, have excellent communication skills, and an underlying commitment to doing what is right for patient safety and well-being.
Responsibilities include:
- Create and maintain the sterile field for surgical procedures
- Review the surgeon’s preference card
- Acquire needed instrumentation and equipment for a surgical procedure
- Assist OR team with patient positioning
- Set up and maintain a sterile surgical field
- Anticipate needs and pass instrumentation during the surgery
- Mix medications as directed
- Handle and label specimens obtained during surgery
- Aid in patient transfer at the end of the case
- Break down the case and account for all surgical counts
Attributes of a Successful Certified Surgical Technologist
- Strong work ethic, with commitment to teamwork
- Reliable, dependable, and excellent time management skills
- The ability to work under pressure, keep composure, think critically, and communicate clearly
- Flexibility and adaptability in the ever-changing environment
- Excitement and passion for innovation
